Drake Ivy Species in The Fruit of War | World Anvil

Drake Ivy

Drake ivy is an uncommon, perennial evergreen herb vine valued for its use in medicine as a powerful pain-killer. It is especially notorious for how difficult it is to harvest, as it favors the tops of trees. It is a parasitic plant, extracting its nutrients from the host tree.   It is so-named for the three-toed and spurred, hooked appearance of its leaves that resemble a supposed drake footprint.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The vine itself is always dainty and its climbing range relatively small -- in total it is usually no longer than a few feet. Its leaves, however, vary in size even on the same plant, ranging from 0.5" to 5". There are not usually more than one vine to a single host.

Biological Traits

Leaves have a unique pseudo-camouflaging ability in which they will gradually change color to reflect their host-plant.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

All parts contain a powerful pain-killer; it is typically crushed and made into a poultice with as few additives as possible, and stored carefully for optimum preservation.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Throughout Icalar

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

It is particularly fond of other evergreen species; some have speculated that this is because they better-enable it to hide, giving rise to the joke that the vine is sentient and deliberately aloof from its sole 'predator'.
Lifespan
60+ Years
Conservation Status
Moderate Concern
Geographic Distribution

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